20. Did you hear of the destruction at Halifax?

Elsinore

Dec 8th 1917

My Dearest Norman,

A can't say another Sunday, for this is Saturday night. I letter write tonight for fear someone comes in tomorrow and than I can't do it and perhaps miss the mail. We are to have the memorial service tomorrow on Stanley Tring. Mrs Tring is not coming back to play till after Xmas. She says she couldn't play the mas music. Sadie Cowell played last Sunday but could not play tomorrow on account of her brother, so there is a Miss Williamson coming. I think she has been there before. I know the  name, do you? I suppose she will play every Sunday now till Mrs Tring comes back. I did not call to see Mr Tring but sent a card. Young Booth is killed too, do you know him? I don't think I know him. They live in Glossop Street.

I see by the paper they have been raiding London again. Did you see any of it? I hope you kept undercover. I suppose you will be voting over there. Some of the soldiers are at it now. Yes or No in France. I wander if it will be carried this time? There are great meetings here about it, everyone is speaking.

Mr Gooud won the sailing race last Saturday, it was Stan Tring's Medal. Mr Gooud is so glad. He will have it made in a brooch for Mrs Tring. 

Did you hear of the destruction at Halifax? What a blessing none of the troop ships were there. It is  a shame to see a town and nice buildings like that wrecked. I suppose you know most of the buildings there. You will see by the paper about it. I will send the Balmain Observer this week too, with an account of our Bazaar. We made over 50 pound, not too bad is it? You will see by it also about Stan Thing and the Bazaar and all. I will enclose it in this letter. That is the safest way. I believe the English mail will be on Monday week. Oh how I will watch for a letter from my dear boy and hope I won't be disappointed. Last mail Mr Gooud got his letter a day before me. He came in and read his letter for me and I had none, it is just as the bags come in and are sorted. I got your diary first. I suppose on account of it being registered and the other parcels days after and Mr Manning got his the day after that, so you see how they come.

Well my dear son, where are you now? I hope you don't go to France. I would rather you go to be with Meg? Tusdale? if you could. The Secretary from Melbourne sent me a lot of letters from some of the secretaries that wrote to them. In a printed form, I suppose they will be having one from you soon with an account of your doings. Mrs Gillanders? told me they would be sending me things like photos. Mr Gooud said he would read them one of these days. They would be interesting.

Eileen went home yesterday, she seemed much better. I will be going to business next Monday. Illma is coming down for a day or two before Xmas. It is near now dear Norman and your birthday. I don't forget it. I only sent you a birthday card. I would not like to risk anything valuable for fear the boat is sunk so I think is is better to wait till you come back.

Mrs Palmer was down the other night. She brought your letter for me to read so I read your diary for her and Mrs Chapman. They said it was very nice indeed and I was to remember them to you. She also had one from Charlie saying how he met you but had not had much time to spend with you but would see you again.
Now is the weather in London very cold? How do you do with washing and mending? I have not got Elsie Bucwell's address yet, but you might hear of her singing somewhere. I forget her married name now. She would be pleased to see you.

The place looks lovely here now Norm after all the rain we have had and the country is beautiful so I must come to an end. Your pa has just cut the lawn and it looks so nice. Pa sends best love to you and hopes you get his letter.
Goodnight my own darling son from your loving and affectionate
Mother.